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6 Ways Corrective Jaw Surgery Can Change Your Life

Corrective jaw surgery, or orthognathic surgery, can have a dramatic impact on your life.

When performed by an experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon, procedures to correct jaw misalignment offer a host of benefits. Treatment may require a long-term commitment, but the life-changing results make undergoing orthognathic surgery worthwhile.

No. 1: Enhanced Appearance

Jaw misalignment can detract from the beauty of your smile, creating an unbalanced or asymmetrical facial look. Through orthognathic surgery, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon can correct an underbite, overbite or open bite, dramatically improving your appearance.

No. 2: Easier Eating

Biting, chewing and swallowing can be more of a challenge with misaligned jaws, and some foods may even be off the menu because of the problem. Jaw surgery can restore optimal bite function, allowing you to enjoy your favorite foods again.

No. 3: Improved Speech

Misaligned jaws can affect your ability to speak and pronounce words properly, an embarrassing issue that can erode your self-confidence. After undergoing orthognathic surgery, you can talk clearly and easily, with no sign of your former speech impediment.

No. 4: Less Tooth Wear

Jaw misalignment puts added pressure on certain teeth, and the increased stress can lead to decay, damage and even tooth loss. Orthognathic procedures can ensure that the pressure of the bite is spread evenly among the teeth, reducing the amount of war and tear.

No. 5: Jaw Pain Relief

If you have misaligned jaws, your temporomandibular joints are under added stress and strain. Chronic pain often follows, leading to the development of TMJ disorder. Once jaw surgery is complete, the symptoms of this condition typically disappear for good.

No. 6: Better Sleep

Jaw misalignment can also be a contributing factor to obstructive sleep apnea, a dangerous condition that causes repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. Orthognathic surgery can work to open the airway and put an end to sleep apnea, greatly improving your overall health.

Can You Benefit from Corrective Jaw Surgery?

If you have functional problems or facial imbalances due to jaw misalignment, orthognathic surgery could be an effective solution. The same may be true if you suffer from TMJ disorder or sleep apnea.

However, to determine whether jaw surgery is an appropriate course of action, you’ll need to consult with an experienced local oral and maxillofacial surgeon. For an expert opinion in the central Indiana area, make an appointment at Northeast Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery.